The summer has ended. A cool breeze has begun to blow each night, causing goosebumps to appear on people’s arms. And the weekly Shalom House events are here again!
Today, October 21st, marked the final day of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. Twenty Holocaust survivors from “Children of the War” based in Netanya, were welcomed to the Caesarea Villa for a celebratory afternoon. Alyosha and Jody Ryabinov recently returning from their travels abroad, brought with them a group of friends from Hong Kong, called Succat Daveed, to join the survivors in celebrating the end of this holiday.
With an abundance of joy and smiles lighting up their faces, the fourteen women from Succat Daveed sung and danced their hearts out for the survivors. They had prepared songs in both Hebrew and Chinese, creating dance moves that were easy to follow along with. Their happiness was contagious, and before the concert’s end, most of the survivors were on their feet dancing with the women. After their performance, the survivors were given hand-made flower-shaped balloons lighting up the room with their colors. Alyosha also played a couple of his compositions, giving the survivors time to catch their breath before eating the lunch that was prepared by our volunteers.
As lunch was served, everyone was given a chance to get to know one another. Hand massages were also offered to anyone who wanted a little pampering. An aromatic aura of essential oils filled the villa as the women from Succat Daveed moisturized the survivors’ hands. Each touch was gentle and specific, causing you to relax and enjoy the attention instantly.
Time was forgotten as everyone savored the moment. Mila Flietman, the leader of “Children of the War,” stood to thank Helping Hand Coalition and their host, Bozena Gasiorowski, for such a heartfelt afternoon. Gifts were also given to Bozena in congratulations for the arrival of her third grandchild, Aviad Rosinger.
“Great! I love it! It’s good for them and good for me.” Said one of the women from Succat Daveed when asked what she thought of the event.
Loretta Meredin, a guest from Caesarea, wrote to us with encouraging words after attending the event, “I’m so pleased that my husband and I agreed to go to an event in support of the Holocaust survivors, today. The group of young women traveled from Hong Kong to demonstrate their love for Israel and the Jewish people. They also showed their many talented gifts, including singing and interacting with the audience – all highlighting their tremendous love for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a wonderfully uplifting event, and we look forward to their next visit!”
HHC would like to give a special thanks to those who made today so radiant! We’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our new volunteer, Donna, who has come from Poland to be with us for three months! We were also privileged to have Sarah Rosenblum-Goldfinger, wife of the late Isaac Goldfinger, and her daughters, Hilly Rosenblum and Miry Frumer, join us in the festivities. Thank you all for coming and being a part of a lovely afternoon; we can’t wait to see what will happen next week!
